VALIANT - Scottish West Coast

The Valiant isn’t your typical Scottish wreck. We love this site not just for the wreck itself, but for the story. This fishing vessel went down in ’80 after an unfortunate encounter with a Polish tanker, the Siarkopol. You can almost feel the chill of that September morning as you descend onto her. She sits upright, quite intact for a working boat, though the collision certainly left its mark. The bridge is still there, and with careful penetration, you can nose into the wheelhouse. It's dark in there, the gauges long silent, but the sense of history is palpable. Around the stern, the propeller is still in place, a big bronze beauty. Shoals of saithe often hang off her superstructure, darting away as your lights cut through the gloom. Ling and conger eels are partial to the deeper holds, so keep an eye out for a grumpy face peeking from a dark corner. The depth, at 56 metres, means this is a site for experienced technical divers. We’d suggest diving on a neap tide for the best conditions, as currents here can be a proper workout. The cold water means thick drysuits are essential, but the visibility, often 10-15 metres, makes the chill worthwhile. It’s a proper dive, a deep, atmospheric exploration of a working life brought to an abrupt end.

Location

Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

57.366665, -6.783333

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

56m

Marine Protected Area: Ascrib, Isay and Dunvegan